Given 'raring to go' ahead of Middlesbrough debut - the 600th senior game of his career

Aheadof his first League appearance since August 2012, Shay Given is ‘raring to go’ on his return to the north-east of England.

The 37-year-old Irish centurion ‘can’t wait’ to cross the white line for Middlesbrough against Bolton at the Riverside today — it will be his 600th senior career game after Aston Villa approved his loan move.

‘It was a bit rushed getting in for the five o’clock deadline, I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait for Saturday, that’s what you want to do, you want to play football and I’m really looking forward to the game,’ said Given on Friday.

On loan: Shay Given will make his Middlesbrough debut against Bolton Wanderers

Change: Given is the first signing by new boss Aitor Karanka (left) and the Irishman will look to help Boro climb the Championship table alongside his former Newcastle teammate Jonathan Woodgate

Given spied an old friend on his first day at training — former Newcastle team-mate Jonathan Woodgate.

‘I’ve seen Woody [Jonathan Woodgate] this morning. He’s not changed a bit, aged a bit, it’s always nice to know someone in the changing room, but all the lads have made me feel really welcome.’

Given knows the north-east football scene like the back of his gloves, having previously played for Sunderland (1996) and Newcastle (1997-2009).

Former magpie: Shay Given has previously played for Sunderland and Newcastle. When he makes his debut for Middlesbrough he will have played for all three football clubs in the north-east

‘The north-east is a hot-bed of football, really passionate fans and hopefully the [Boro] fans will be impressed with me,’ he said.

‘I want them to judge me on my performances, not what I’ve done in the past but what I do for this football club. I’m raring to get going and play well.’

‘I haven’t looked past the one-month loan or anything; I just can’t wait to get going.’

Given retired from international football after Euro 2012 having won 125 caps, but made himself available for selection again.

With the option to extend his loan period at Boro until the end of the season, he could yet come on to the radar of Martin O’Neill as cover for David Forde and Kieren Westwood.

Scouting mission: Ireland manager Martin O'Neill (right) will keep an eye on how Given does at Middlesbrough

Meanwhile, Lee Power, the former Republic of Ireland Under 21 forward, has taken over ownership of League One club, Swindon Town.

Power, 41, was previously chairman of Cambridge United and was on the board of Rushden and Diamonds. He was capped 13 times for the Irish U21s but missed out on senior honours.